Leads strategic growth and innovation initiatives from business-case development through launch. Manages strategic partnerships, translates commercial objectives into product and technology requirements, oversees integrated roadmaps, establishes operating models and governance, and coordinates cross-functional execution. Advises C-suite leaders, drives stakeholder alignment, and maximizes adoption of innovation capabilities across financial-services channels and operations.
We are driven to do more. More for our customers and the financial professionals who offer our products. If you are driven to do more and love the challenge of pursuing more, Athene is your kind of company. You will find we offer more than the basics to create an inclusive and dynamic work environment at our various locations.
Purpose:
Athene is building the next generation of its retirement solutions business, expanding how we serve our distribution partners, reach customers, and use technology to create more scalable, integrated experiences. Based in Athene and Apollo’s Austin strategic growth hub, the AVP, Strategy & Innovation will work directly with Athene’s C-suite and senior leaders across Athene and Apollo to translate high-priority strategic opportunities into operating capabilities, commercial partnerships and launched solutions.This is a strategy role with a strong execution mandate. You will help shape and implement an evolving operating model, lead the execution of strategic partnerships, develop technology and capability roadmaps, and advance opportunities from concept through launch.
You will operate across strategy, technology, product, distribution and partnerships, leveraging Apollo’s scale and capabilities while helping Athene continue to innovate and grow. Success requires curiosity to reimagine what is possible, the judgment to make sound decisions in ambiguity and the ownership mindset to make it happen.
Accountabilities:
- Lead priority strategic growth and innovation initiatives from thesis and business case development through solution design, execution and launch. Frame decisions for C-suite executives and other senior leaders and maintain accountability for stakeholder alignment, dependencies, milestones and outcomes.
- Drive and support complex strategic partnerships with distributors and technology providers. Lead day-to-day relationship management and coordinate work across external partners and internal teams, translating commercial objectives into clear requirements, workplans and implemented solutions.
- Develop and oversee integrated roadmaps for the technology and business capabilities required to support strategic growth initiatives. Translate business priorities into sequenced product, technology and operating requirements and implementation plans.
- Implement and continuously evolve the operating model connecting strategic growth initiatives with established product, distribution, technology and operations
- functions, including clear decision rights, governance, handoffs and accountability across teams.
- Maximize the enterprise value of innovation capabilities by connecting them to broader business priorities and facilitating their adoption and reuse across Athene’s channels and operations. Coordinate the cross-functional dependencies required to realize that value.
Qualifications and Experience:
- 8+ years of experience in strategy, product innovation, technology-enabled transformation or operating model development or relevant professional experience, preferred.
- Demonstrated success moving complex initiatives from strategy through launch, including developing business cases, defining operating and capability requirements, establishing roadmaps and coordinating implementation across business and technology teams.
- Experience structuring and executing strategic partnerships or platform integrations, with the ability to translate commercial opportunities into clear product, technology and operating requirements
- Demonstrated ability to engage credibly with C-suite and senior leaders, frame complex decisions, influence across organizational boundaries and drive alignment without direct authority.
- Working knowledge of one or more relevant markets, such as wealth management, banking, retirement, digital distribution, direct-to-consumer financial services or RIA and advisor platforms.
- Fluency using AI to improve analysis, decision-making and execution.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience; MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
Drive. Discipline. Confidence. Focus. Commitment. Learn more about working at Athene.
Athene is a Military Friendly Employer! Learn more about how we support our Veterans.
Athene is committed to inclusion and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
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